Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 7,119, Abraham Estes, Va

SERVICE
NUMBER
Va
Estes, Abraham or Estis.
W. 7.119
Nelly
CONTENTS

8528 Butz
Virginia
Kelly Estes dec?
Widow of Abraham Estes
who was a Private
in the Revolution 3 rd age 1804
Husband died 21 st Jan y , 1844.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 69 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
and ending 28 th Jan y , 1844
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of April, 1849, and sent to
W. J. B. Bedford Charlotte C.H. Virg a
[Acts of March 3, 1843, & June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book 2 Page 137
Payable to W m Estes, John Estes, Abraham Estes only paying Children.

Rep. l. v.
Letter to M. J. B. Bedford Aug. 4. 1849
Letter to Pan agent Aug. 4/49
New certif. issued Aug 13 1849
and sent to A. T. Robinson.
1890
March 17 - M. S. Roundy - history (Letter here)
P. 200

State of Virginia, Halifax County to wit:
I Laban Durham of Halifax County and State of Virginia, aged 75 years, do hereby certify that ever since the year 1793, I have been intimately acquainted with Abraham Estes the elder, and Nelly his wife, and all their children, having resided in the same neighborhood - I know the fact, from personal knowledge, that in 1793, the said Abraham Estes and Nelly his wife lived as man & wife, and had a family of children; and was acknowledged as man and wife, legally married, by every one who knew them - There were six children, to wit; David the eldest, William, John, Nancy, Sally and Abraham - all are dead , except William John & Abraham - The said Abraham Estes the elder, died or coming within my personal knowledge on the 5 th day of April, 1804 - He was always considered, reputed, believed, and recognized in the neighborhood where he resided to have been a soldier of the Revolution - He was a man of good character, and generally respected every where he was known - I do not recollect the precise date of Mrs. Estes' death -
Laban Durham (Seal)
State of Virginia: Halifax County to wit:
This day Laban Durham came before me, a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, and subscribed the above certificate in my presence, and made oath to the same, according to law - I further certify, that

he is a credible person, and fully competent to testify, and his statement entitled to full confidence, having had by his residence in the neighborhood the best opportunity of knowing the facts he has stated given under my hand this 26 day of August, 1848.
John S. Pleasants J.P.
Virginia Halifax County ss.
I William Hall Clerk of the County Court for the County of Halifax in the State of Virginia do hereby certify that John S.
Pleasants is a Justice of the peace for the said County, duly commissioned therefor and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereto
now set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 28th day of Aug 1848.
W. Hall
John S. Pleasants J.P.
[Faint, mirrored text from the reverse side of the page]

State of Virginia: Patrick County to wit:
I do hereby certify, that Nelly Estlin, widow of Abraham Estlin, deceased, late of Halifax County, died at the House of William Edwards, her son-in-law, on the 21 st day of January, 1844. I made her Coffin, which enables me to state the precise date - having kept a memorandum - Gabriel Britz
State of Virginia: Patrick County to wit:
This day Gabriel Britz came before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County & State aforesaid, and made oath to the foregoing Certificate subscribed in my presence, according to law. I further certify, he is a credible person, & statement entitled to full confidence -
Given under my hand this 6 th day of September 1848 -
LEONARD P.P.
I Abram Staples clerk of the court of Patrick county do hereby certify that Clark Perru whose name appears to the foregoing affidavit, is and was at the time at the time of signing the same a justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid, duly commissioned and qualified, and that full faith and credit are due all his official acts. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office the 6 th day of September 1848
Abram Staples clerk of the court of Patrick county

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7 th July, 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to certain Widows" — State of Virginia.
On this 25 th day of October, 1847, personally appeared in Open Court, before the County Court of Halifax now sitting, William Estis, or Eastis, one of the surviving children of Nelly Eastis, or Estis, deceased, a resident of said County and State, aged 62 years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath, (so far as he knows or believes) make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838, entitled "An Act granting half pay and pensions to Certain Widows" —
He declares, that he is one of the surviving children of Nelly Estis, or Eastis, deceased, late of said County and State, who was the Widow of Abraham Estis, or Eastis, deceased, formerly a Private in the Virginia Continental line, in the war of the Revolution — He has always understood, and believes the same to be true, that his Father the said Abraham Estis, enlisted in the County of Halifax, sometime in the month of May, 1776, under Capt. Nathaniel Cocke, to serve for the term of three years in the Virginia Continental line, and that he served the said term (except a short time whilst on furlough) faithfully, and was honorably discharged from service — all of which will appear by reference to affidavit of George Estis a soldier of the Revolution — That the said Abraham Eastis departed this life on or about the 5 th day of April, 1804, in the County of Halifax —
That his Mother Nelly Eastis, departed this life on or about the 21 st of January, 1844, leaving the only living children to wit: Wil-

= lion Easton, John Easton, and Abraham Easton, all of whom are of legal age - That his Mother was endeavoring at the time of her death to procure the necessary evidence to establish her pension claim; but from disease, old age and bodily infirmity was unable to do so -
He further declares, that he always understood that his Father and Mother were married some time in the year 1780, by Parson Gordon a Minister of the old Episcopal Church, by publication of Banns, according to the rites & ceremonies of that Church - and he believes the same to be true - That she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first day of January, Seventeen hundred and Ninety four; to wit, about the time above stated -
He further declares, that his Mother the said Nelly Easton, after the death of her husband the said Abraham Easton, never intermarried; but remained a widow to the day of her death.
That he knows nothing personally of the services of said Abraham Easton in the War of the Revolution, nor of his marriage; and therefore relies on accompanying proof and the Records of the Army to establish all that is set forth in the foregoing Declaration - That he served longer than two years is apparent from the testimony; but claims a pension for two years services - He claims a Pension for himself and surviving children of Nelly Easton, widow of Abraham Easton, from 4 th March 1836 to the 21 st day of January, 1844, the date of her death -
Abraham Easton

13497 acc'43 9612 Declaration of Wm Estis, one surviving Child, of Nelly Estis, widow of Abraham Estis. for a Pension under Act July 7 th 1838-
Wm died 21 st July 1844
Depreciation — Abraham Estis £16 17 4

At a Court held for Halifax County the 25 th day of October, 1847—
On motion, the declaration of William Estes, one of the living children of Nelly Estes, deceased, widow of Abraham Estes, for a dower under the act of July 7 th 1838, was presented in open Court with accompanying evidence all of which were fully explained to the entire satisfaction of the Court, approved—
The Court are now more satisfied that Nelly Estes the widow of said Abraham Estes died on the 21 st day of January 1844, and that William Estes, John Estes, & Abraham Estes are the only living children, of all of whom are of lawful age.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the seal of said Court and subscribed my name this 25 th day of October 1847.
W. Hall C.R.

sworn to and subscribed in open court -
W. Hall Ck

THE NEW TESTAMENT Of our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST
Newly translated out of the ORIGINAL GREEK
And with the Sermon
TRANSLATIONS
Diligently Compared and Revised.
By His MAJESTY's special Command
Appointed to be Read in Churches.
EDINBURGH Printed by Alexander Maclaren, His Majesty's Printer. MDCCCLXVII.

David Estlin the son of Abraham Estlin and Mary his wife was born the 28th of June 1783
William Estlin was born the 10th of March 1792
John Estlin was born the 10th of December 1781
Abraham Estlin was born the 10th of December 1781

State of Virginia: Halifax County to wit: I George Estes of Halifax County, do hereby certify, in addition to my former Certificate, That Abraham Estes late of Halifax enlisted under Capt Nathaniel Cooke and was attached to the 7 th Virginia Regiment, on Continental establishment; I do not recollect at this time, the names of the field officers; But I have a distinct Recollection, that Edward Wade was Lieutenant in the company; and that he was stationed at  on  at  on  at  on Guinness Island, and then marched to the north. I was a soldier of the Revolution now a prisoner of the united states, and in the 86 year of my age —
his George + Estes mark
State of Virginia: Halifax County to wit:
This day George Estes came before me a justice of the peace in and for the county and state aforesaid, and made oath that the above additional Certificate subscribed by him, contains the truth. I farther certify that although very old, his mind & memory is sound and clear and fully competent to give testimony and that his statement is entitled to full confidence given under my hand this 14 th day of January 1848
Wm. Wabunif JJP

Omit
State of Virginia Halifax County
I William S Holt Deputy Clerk of Halifax County Court certify that William McAbanife is a Justice of the Peace for said County duly Commissioned & qualified and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his is genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said County this 15th day of January 1828
William S. Holt

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.
Claim for Military Service.
I certify that, in conformity with the laws of the United States, of the 7th July, 1838, 3rd March, 1843, and 17th June, 1844, Nelly Estey, late of Virginia, widow of Abraham Estey, who was a Private in the Revolution, and died on the 5th April, 1804, is inscribed on the Pension roll at the rate of Sixty nine dollars per Annum, Com- under the act of July 1838, on the mencing 4th March, 1836, and terminating on the 24th March 1841: under the act of March 1843, commencing on the 24th January, 1844, the day on which she died. The amount due is payable to her only surviving children, viz; William Estey, John Estey, and Abraham Estey.
Given at the Department of the Interior, this 30th day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.
W. C. Gouveneur acting Secretary of the Interior.
Examined and Countersigned.
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Abraham Estes or Estes
at the home of Mr Edmonds his son in law Halifax Co Va, he died April 5 1804, a date prior to the passage of a pension law under which he would have entitled there is no other statement than as furnished in application for the Surving widow
He was married in Halifax Co Va 1780 to Nelly Organ She died Jany 21 1844 Had 6 children
In Oct 1847 Wm Estes son Son of Abraham & Nelly stated his father
Enlisted in the Co of Halifax Va in May 1776 under Capt Nathl Cooke for 3 years in 7th Va Regt
Children Surving their mother were Wm age 67 Oct 1847 or 62 years John & Abraham
George Estes of Halifax Co aged 88 years testified in Oct 1847 that his service under Capt Cook in 7th Regt was within his personal knowledge & John Estes enlisted at same time
Cont
   Children     David born July 1781 David ad' dead 1848   Wm " March 1797 Wm   John " Dec 26 1784 John   Nancy dead mt' 1845   Sally dead do  
Clerk of the Court certified that record of marriage of Abraham do not extend back to prior 1781 as that minister of old Episcopal church ever made return but dissenting ministers did where a license issued The Parish register of Antroem is lost Another parish organized in North part of Co formerly Mt Laurel

Manassas Va.
Nov. 22. 1889
To the Comr. of Pensions -
I respectfully request information if the interests of your office will permit on following points - for genealogical purposes solely -
1. Is there on record in your office anything concerning Colwell Estes , a Revolutionary soldier under Gen. Marion. His father Zachary was of Va. but what state Colwell Estes served under I don't know. I would like to get all the information your records may give concerning him -
2. Ditto as to Capt. Triplet Estes I think he was a Capt. in Revolutionary War of Va. Troops.
3. Ditto as to William Estes , who

was commissioned in New York Militia by Gov. Marcy during the "Patriot War" in Canada.
4. If there were any other U. S. Soldiers in Revolution named Estes I would like their names & record. The name is sometimes spelt "Eastes" , sometimes Esty or Esley .
Very Resp't. S. & c.
M. W. K. Round

Revolutionary War
WIDOW, &c.
Am
File No. 7119
Kelly Estate
Wid.
Abraham Estate
Pvt. Rev. War
Act: March 3rd 31 June 1794
Index:—Vol. 4 , Page 220
[Arrangement of 1870.]

State of Virginia: Halifax County to wit:
We do hereby certify, that we have been intimately acquainted with Abraham Estis, and Nelly his wife, for a great many years previous to their death: and know the fact they were universally acknowledged as man and wife, legally married, and as such raised a family of children. That said Abraham Estis died on or about the 5 th day of April, 1804; and his wife Nelly died on or about the 21 st day of January, 1844, according to the best of our knowledge and recollection. We further certify, that William Estis, John Estis, and Abraham Estis, are the only living children of said Nelly Estis deceased, widow of Abraham Estis, and that she remained unmarried to the time of her death. Our intimate acquaintance with the whole family enable us to make the foregoing statement of facts.
In presence of Elizabeth P. Slead
Rebecca Lee Snead Mark Elizabeth Lee Pettus Mark
State of Virginia: Halifax County to wit:
The above named, personally appeared before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, and made oath to the foregoing Certificate, subscribed by them in my presence, as containing the truth to the best of their knowledge and recollection. I further certify that they are respectable and credible persons, of sufficient age to have a knowledge of the facts which they certify, and fully competent to give testimony in any case. Given under my hand this 21 st day of October 1847.
John S. Pleasants J.P.

State of Virginia: Halifax County to wit:
We whose names are hereto subscribed, being the former neighbours and acquaintances of Nelly Estis, the widow of Abraham Estis, deceased, do hereby certify as coming within our best knowledge and belief, that said Nelly Estis died on or about the 21 st day of January, 1844; and that she remained the widow of said Abraham Estis, until her death, having never intermarried; and that William Estis, John Estis, and Abraham Estis, are her only living children - and of age -
In presence of Wm. P. B. Bedford.
Charles G. Pettus J. H. B. Norton
State of Virginia: Halifax County to wit:
The above named subscribers, came before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and State aforesaid, and having signed in my presence, made oath to the same according to law -
I further certify that they are worthy, respectable and credible persons, and statements entitled to full confidence. Given under my hand this 21 st day of October, 1847.
John S. Pleasants J.P.

State of Virginia Halifax county to wit I George Estes of Halifax a soldier of the Revolution and pensioner of the united states do hereby certify that I have a distinct recollection of the marriage of Abraham Estes and Polly organ they wer married in the county of Halifax in the fall of 1780 the precise day and month not recollectd. by publication of Banns by parson Gordon of the old Episcopal church according to the rites and ceremonies of that church They raised as man & wife a family of children not far from where I reside and the marriage was after Mr Abraham Estes returned from the warre but long prior to 1 st January 1794 George Estes
State of Virginia Halifax county to wit This day George Estes a pensioner of the united states made oath to the above as containing the truth to the best of his knowledge and belief I further certify that he is a creditable competent and disinter- ested witness and as such his testimony is entitled to full weight and confidence given under my hand this 15 th day of October 1847 Wm. M. Labanif 90

Nelly Estes widow of Abraham Va
on roll for July 1777 enlisted May 1776, and transp from Rifle Regt. no rolls found before July 1779 on roll Capt Moseleys Co. 7 th Va Regt for Feb 1778, dischd 21 February 1778
admitted for 1 st June 1776 to 21 Feb 1778, = 1 yr 8 mo. 21 days $69. -
from 4 March 1836 to 21 Jany 1840 Children Mrs. Estes. John Estes & Abraham Estes
W. J. B. Bedford Charlotte C. N. Va

I William Hott clerk of the County Court for the County of Halifax in the State of Virginia do certify that John S. Pleasants and William M. Blackburn are Justices of the River for said County duly qualified & sworn & that the foregoing signatures purporting to be theirs are genuine
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed the Seal of said Court and subscribed my name this 25 th day of October 1847
W. Hott Ck

State of Virginia: Halifax County To wit:
I George Estis of Halifax County, State of Virginia, a Revolutionary soldier, and Pensioner of the United States, in the 86 year of my age, do hereby certify, that I was intimately acquainted with Abraham Estis or Estus late of Halifax, and know the fact as coming within my personal knowledge that said Abraham Estis in the month of May, 1776, enlisted under Capt Nathaniel Cocker in the County of Halifax To serve for the period of three years, in the continental line and that he served the said term faithfully, and was honorably discharged from service. I was present at the time of enlistment, which took place at a school House, and recollect that John Estis and several others enlisted at same time. After entering the army for some time, he returned home on furlough, and staid a short time, then returned to the army and remained in the same until his term expired. I served in the militia, but know all the above stated facts to be true.
George Estis
State of Virginia Halifax County To wit
This day George Estis came before me a Justice of the peace in and for the County and state aforesaid and made oath that the foregoing certificate subscribed by him in my presence contained the truth. I further certify that he is a creditable person of sound mind and memory, and fully competent to give testimony given under my hand this 15 th day of October. 1947 —
Com M. Cabaniss
JP.

10627
Virginia
Mrs. Ester Dye?
Widow of Abraham Ester who was a pensioner under the Act of — and who died on the 5 th April 1804 of Weymouth in the State of Va who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain Moseley of the Reg t commanded by — in the Resolution line for 1 yr. 8 mos.
Inscribed on the Rolls of Richmond at the rate of 69 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 4 th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 30 th day of April, 1849 and sent to Col. S. P. Bedford Esq. Charlotte Ct. Total amount, $ 1000.00
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by H. Rumphin, Clerk, Book Vol. 1 Page 267

Reported Payable to William Estey John Estey & Abraham Estey only children surviving

State of Virginia - Charlotte Ct. House December 14 th 1847.
Sir
I have received yours of the 2 nd instant in relation to some of "Nelly Estes" and "Mary Wright"
In regard to the date of death of Mrs Estes, the Court of before has certified that they are satisfied that Nelly Estes, the widow of Abraham Estes, "died on the 21 st day of January, 1844" - The Certificate of Court is inserted on the Declaration, which I presume was overlooked by you -
I wish you to examine and see if I am correct in that respect; and would like to know whether you are now satisfied on that point, in order to some trouble of hunting additional evidence - Please send me an answer as early as possible -
I am, Sir, very respectfully your Obt. Servt &c W m J. B. Bedford
J. L. Edwards Esq Comm r of Pensions -

State of Virginia— Charlotte Ct: House
June 12 th 1848—
Sir,
In your letter of December 2 nd , 1847, in relation to claim of children of Nelly Estes, deceased, you state that the date of Mrs. Estes' death, is not sufficiently definite — In reply, I referred to the order of Halifax Court, on the subject, which was endorsed on the Declaration, and which I supposed had been overlooked—
I again enclose you a copy of the same order, which I hope will be satisfactory on that point— having heard from you nothing in regard to the claim for a long time—
I am very respectfully your Obt. Servt &c
Wm. I. B. Bedford
J. L. Edwards esq Commissioner of Pensions— Washington City. D. C.

State of Virginia Charlotte Ct. House
January 21 st 1848 -
Sir,
I received yours of the 2 d of December last, relative to the cases of "Mrs. Nelly Estes, widow of Abraham Estes, deceased," and "Mrs. Mary Wright, widow of Archibald Wright."
I now enclose you some testimony to be filed in the case of "Nelly Estes, widow of Abraham Estes" to wit, the additional testimony of George Estes, which states the Regiment to which Abraham Estes was attached, the name of the Lieutenant of the Company, and the point at which the Company was stationed for a while; also the only Mendo: that can be found of the ages of three of the children - There were six children in all - only three now living - By reference to these ages, it will appear that Abraham Estes and Nelly his wife were married prior to 1794 -
In regard to the exact date of Nelly Estes' death, see certificate of Halifax Court, inserted, I believe, on the Declaration - or amongst the papers -
The papers enclosed, I have just received by Mail, and send them, in hopes they may

be of service in the investigation of the claim -
The "Parish Register" of the Old Episcopal Church in the County of Halifax, for and during the War of the Revolution, I understand, has long since been lost, or destroyed. The Certificate of the Clerk of Halifax, heretofore sent on, will explain the whole matter in regard to marriages -
I am very respectfully your Obt. Servt &c
Wm I. B. Bedford
J. L. Edwards Esq
Comm ee of Pensions
220 in need of aid
[Faint, mirrored bleed-through text from the reverse side of the page]

State of Virginia - Charlotte Ct. House August 31 st 1848 -
Sir,
Your letter of the 17 th June, 1848, in relation to the claim of Nelly Estis, widow of Abraham Estis, deceased, was duly received -
You state "The paper purporting to contain a Register of the births of Mrs Estis' Children does not bear that evidence of age that would make it availing as proof of her marriage prior to 1794" -
I now send you additional testimony on that point; which please file with the papers -
The other portion of your letter will be duly attended to in a short time - so far as it regards Mrs Estis claim - The claim of Mrs Wright also referred to in the same letter, will be attended to -
I am, Sir, very respectfully your Obt. Servt etc
J. L. Edwards esq Com r of Pensions -
W m J. B. Bedford

State of Virginia - Charlotte Ct. House Nov. 25 th 1848 -
Sir,
I enclose you three letters, one from the Rev d John T. Clark, one from Philip How- erton esq r , and the other from the Rev d John Grammer, all relating to the Church Records of Halifax County, Virginia, in which County by publication of banns in 1780, the marriage of Abraham Estes or Eastes took place; all of which, prior file in case of surviving Chil- dren of Nelly Estes, widow of Abraham Estes, dec d , for Pension under Act of 1838 -
From the letters enclosed, you will per- ceive, that the "Parish Register" of Autumn Parish in Halifax, which ought to have contained the marriage of Abraham Estes & wife, has been lost or destroyed -
I am, Sir, very respectfully 'Your Ob t . Serv t &c
W m J. B. Bedford
L. L. Edwards esq r Com r of Pensions Washington City D. C.

1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891 1892 1893 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

State of Virginia Charlotte Ct. House October 30 th 1848~
Sir,
I enclose you some Documents to be filed in the case of "Nelly Estis or Easter, widow of Abraham Estis or Easter," for a Pension under act of July 7 th 1838~
In your letter of June 17 th 1848, you state, "There were no such officers attached to the 7 th Virginia Regiment as Capt Abraham Cocke (you meant, I presume, Capt Nathaniel Cocke ) or Lieut Edmund Wade & etc"
From one of the enclosed Documents, you will perceive there was a Capt Nathaniel Cocke of the 7 th Virginia Regiment , as described in the affidavits of old Mr. George Estis, now on file with the papers. After this, I presume, you will allow that Mr. Estis's testimony is entitled to full credit not only as to service of Abraham Estis, but as to marriage of said Estis to Nelly Organ~
I also enclose the Auditor's Certificate showing that Abraham Estis was in the Virginia Continental line, and settled with the State Auditor~
In your letter of October 12 th 1848, you state "The additional evidence in the case of Nelly Estis, decd,

widow of William Estis , is satisfactory, to establish the date of her death etc." Here again, I pre- sume, you meant Abraham Estis , the soldier un- der whom we claim - not William Estis -
Both of your letters were apparently written in haste; I would, therefore, thank you kindly to review the whole testimony now on file, and say if you desire any re-
I am, Sir, very respectfully your Obt. Servt &c
Wm J. B. Bedford
J. L. Edwards esqr Commr. of Pensions Washington City D. C.
Note: Capt Nathaniel Cooke after serving in the Virginia Continental line, for some considerable time, was promoted, and became a Lieute- nant Colonel in the Virginia State line - where you will find his settlement with State Auditor as to "Lieutenant Wade", shows made no further enquiry, deeming it unnecessary - to do so - Wm J. B. Bedford -

Richmond, 31. day of July 1849.
Sir,
I enclose you a Power of Attorney, given by the surviving children of Nelly Estes deceased, widow of Abraham Estes, to draw the pension therein mentioned. The Pension Certificate states, that in conformity with the laws of the U. States of the 7. July 1838, - 3. March 1843, and 17. June 1844, she is inscribed on the Pension Roll at the rate of $69 per annum, commencing 4. March 1836, and terminating on the 21. January 1844, the day on which she died. It appears to me that under the Act of 1838 she was entitled to five years pension from the 4. day of March 1836 to the 4. day of March 1841; that under the Act of 1843, she was entitled to the pension from the 4. day of March 1843, to the 21. day of January 1844, the day on which she died; and that under the Act of 1844, there was no pension due. That if the pension should be paid from the 4. day of March 1836 to the 21. day of January 1844, there will be paid two years more than are due, to wit, the pension from the 4. day of March 1841 to the 4. day of March 1843, which, under the laws above mentioned, was not due.
Be pleased to write to me, respecting this case, and return the papers I enclose you.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Anty Robinson, Pers. Agent.
J. L. Edwards, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington.

State of Virginia. Charlotte Ct. House
Sept 18 th 1848 —
Sir,
In your letter of June 17 th 1848, in relation to the claim of Nelly Estis, deceased, widow of Abrahom Estis, notwithstanding the certificate of Halifax Court that the said Nelly Estis from satisfactory proof before them, died on the 21 st day of January, 1844, you state, "I repeat the particular day of Mrs Estis' death should be established by the affidavit of the undertaker, or Minister who officiated at her funeral, or the Physician who attended her in her last illness" —
In compliance with your request, I now send you the affidavit of Mr. Gabriel Critz, who made her Coffin, and as such, I presume, the undertaker, in relation to the exact date of her death — other portions of the same letter will be attended to in due time —
I am, Sir, very respectfully your Obedt. Servt H. H.
L. L. Edmonds Esq. Comm r . of Pensions —
W m J. B. Bedford

Certif. in relation to Abram Estlin's marriage

Virginia Halifax County to wit:
I William S. Holt deputy clerk of the County Court for the County aforesaid, Certify that I have made diligent search in my office for the record of the marriage of Abraham Estis with Kelley Organ and that I find no record of such marriage from 1788 to 1794, both dates inclusive. I further Certify, that such Record not being found, raises no sort of presumption against the legality of such marriage; it being seldom that ministers of the Old Episcopal Church ever made returns of marriages to the Clerks Office - Only dissenting ministers, where a marriage license has issued, report the marriage, and they sometimes fail to do so. I further Certify that the record of marriages do not extend further back than 1781. Given under my hand this 4 th day of November 1847.
William S Holt Clerk

State of Virginia Charlotte Ct. House
Novr. 18 th 1847 -
Sir,
I enclose you the Certificate of the Clerk of Halifax, which I received the last mail - you will please file it with the Pension Papers of "W m Estes one of the Children of Nelly Estes, widow of Abraham Estes, deceased"
The Clerk had not time to make it out, at the time the other papers were sent on - and certified by him -
I am very respectfully your O bt . Serv t &c
W m J. B. Bedford
L. L. Edwards Esq r Comm r . of Pensions Washington City.

At a court held for the County of Halifax the 28 th day of October 1847:
On motion The declaration of William Estes. One of the living children of Nelly Estes, deceased, widow of Abraham Estes for a pension under the act of July 7 th 1838. was presented in open Court with accompanying evidence all of which were fully explained to the entire satisfaction of Court. and approved. - The Court are moreover satisfied that Nelly Estes the widow of said Abraham Estes died on the 21 st day of January 1844 and that William Estes John Estes & Abraham Estes are the only living children all of whom are of lawful age. Ordered that the Clerk certify the same on the declaration. -
A Copy
Certs W m Hott Ch

State of Virginia Charlotte Ct. House October 30. th 1847.
Sir,
I enclose you the Declaration of William Estes one of the surviving children of Nelly Estes, widow of Abraham Estes, with accompanying proof, who claims a Pension under the Act of July 7. th 1838; all of which I trust will prove satisfactory.
I am very respectfully your Obt. Servt. &c. Wm. J. B. Bedford
J. L. Edwards Esq. Commr. of Pensions Washington City. D. C.

State of Virginia - Charlotte Ct: House
August 12 th 1849 -
Sir,
I did not receive your letter dated the 4 th instant until yesterday, informing me that in issuing the Pension Certificate in the case of Nelly Estes, deceased, a clerical error was committed, and that you wished a return of the Certificate in order that it might be cancelled and a new one issued -
In a few days after the reception of the Certificate, I handed it over to Mr. William Estes of Halifax County, one of the surviving children, with the form of Voucher to receive the amount due - What he has done in relation to the case, I am unable to say - By the present mail, I have written to Mr. Estes requesting him to return the Certificate, if not already surrendered to the Pension Agent - If I can get it, I will take pleasure in sending it back for correction -
I am, Sir, very respectfully your Obt. Servt &c Wm. S. B. Bedford
J. L. Edwards Esqr Comr of Pensions -

Richmond, August 10. 1849.
Sir,
I return to you, enclosed herein, the Pension Certificate issued in the case of Nelly Estes deceased, which, in your letter of the 4. inst., you directed to be returned for correction.
I am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient Servant,
Asahel Robinson, Penn. Agent.
J. S. Edwards, Esquire, Commissioner of Pensions, Washington.

Wm J. B. Bedford Esq
Charlotte C.H. Va

Auditors Office
25 October 1848
Dear Sir
I have received yours of the 20 th inst and in reply send you a copy of an entry from the journal of the Committee of Safety
very respectfully
Yours
J. H. Heath

Monday 1 st April 1776
A bill drawn to Capt Nathaniel Bookef £256.8.8 for e pay of himself & Men of 7 th Regiment to 2 1 st March.
The above is truly copied from the Journal of the Committee of Safety (page 77)
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office Richmond this 25 th day of October 1848.
Richd Heath and P. Aug

This is to Certify, That it appears from a List in this Office of such Officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Continental Line, during the Revolutionary War, as settled their Accounts, and received Certificates for the balance of their Full Pay, according to an Act of Assembly, passed the November Session 1781, that a Certificate issued on the 19 th day of October 1787 , in the name of Abraham Eastis as a Soldier of Infantry for £ 16. 17. 6, which Certificate appears to have been delivered to Col o J o Coleman and was given for services prior to the 1st January 1782.
p 36.5 { No Seal of Office. }
Given under my hand at the Auditor's Office, Richmond, this 11 th day of July 1848.
J. D. Heath
AUDITOR.

Mount Lamlon 3 Dis 26 3
Mr. William J. B. Briforce Charlotte CHouse
mail 3
yu

Mt Laurel, Halifax Co Va. Decemr. 20 th 1847.
Dear Sir.
"The Records" of "Minutes of the Vestry" of Antioch Parish were a few years since (when I last knew any thing of them) were in the possession of Mr. Philip Thornton near the CHouse -.
The "Parish Register" wh: sh d have been kept by the clergy man - & continued in his care - I never knew any thing ab t it. I suppose it sh d have been deposited in the Clerks office of the county - But whether or not it ever was done - I do not know - The Parish Register is - or sh d be kept by the clergy man in his possession & handed over to his successor - & I think it probable in the confusion of the Revolutionary times, & the prostration of the old Church this was lost -.
I think it probable Mr. Hoot the Clerk of the county - who is also one of the present Vestry of the parish of Antioch can give you more information ab t it than any one else -.
My own connection with Antioch Parish was suspended several years since - when according to the Canons of the Episcopal Church we organised a separate Parish in the northern pt. of the county of which I became Rector.
With Best wishes
Yrs Respectfully
Geo. T. Clark

Halifax Nov 17
Wm. J. B. Buford Esq. Charlotte Co. H. Va.

Halifax N.S. 6 Nov 1848
Mr B. A. Fraser. New Brunswick
Mr. Young a few days ago inquired about the old Church  records of this parish. Some 12 or 15 years ago the Rev. Chas. Dufresne had a very family. While with him he had from Mr John Royland some old church books which he showed to me and which he afterwards gave to me in his office some of all of them. I handed them over to the Rev. John Garmy now the Rector of our church; except the old Prayer book which has no notes in it. The books I think did not go further back than the time of the Rev. Alex. Hay & I do not recollect of any notice of banns being published in them. I am sincerely Respectfully Yrs Phil. Houston

PS the first time I met with Mr. Francisco I had been given permission
PK

Halifax Co. Va. Nov 21 st 1863
J C
Mr. Wm. J. Bedford Charlotte Co. Va. Va.

Mr. Wm. J. B. Bedford,
Halifax C t Ho. Nov. 18 th 184.
Dear Sir.
I should take much pleasure in furnishing the evidence of the marriage of Ab t Est d & Nelly Organ, as you request; but am under the necessity of informing you, as I have several similar applicants, that the means for doing so are not in my power, & I suppose are not in existence. Finding on my removal to this parish, in 1838, that the only record left by the preceding Rector, was his own Register, which commenced in 1828, I commenced a course of enquiries among all such persons as I thought likely to give me information, in regard to the existence or probable fate of the previous Parish Records, & I pursued these enquiries for several years, without any farther success than the discovery of a mutilated volume of an old Vestry Book. Of the Register I have never been able to procure any intelligence. The Vestry book contains only the minutes of the proceedings of the Vestry, & of course furnishes nothing that can avail in any such cases as that to which

you refer. It is only from the Parish Register, (which is the Rector's own record of his ministerial acts, such as Baptism, Marriages, Funerals &c.) that the evidence you need could be derived; And as this seems to be hopelessly lost, & I suppose, long since destroyed, I, of course, can afford you no aid in establishing the fact of the marriage above mentioned.
With much respect,
Yrs &c
J. Hamner
Rector of Austin Parish, Halifax Co., Va.